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SALES • LEASING • SERVICE QUICK LANE • PARTS
15815 Yonge Street, Aurora Thursday, September 15, 2016
Pathfinder
First Drive
Jim Robinson
CARMEL, CA: Nissan’s Pathfinder is getting a number of changes for the 2017 model year. Now in its fourth generation, Pathfinder falls somewhere between the mid-size Murano and the fullsize Armada. With an EPA interior volume listed as 4,468 litres it’s full-size to me, but Nissan prefers to call it a “large” CUV. Either way, the Pathfinder offers its EX Flex Seating system for seven with a three-seat second row 60/40 split/fold bench and a two/seat 50/50 split/fold bench third row. Lift a handle on the second row seat and the seat back tilts forward and the cushion tilts up so it can slide forward for a claimed best-inclass access to the third row. Also available is a power liftgate, which opens when a kicking motion is made under the rear bumper. Introduced as a 2013 model, Nissan thought it was time to harden up the exterior styling with an entirely new front end incorporating the “V Motion” grille design and a reshaping of the rear with a new bumper/rear panels and new taillights to make it more rugged looking. In the process, Nissan lowered
Road Test
refreshed for 2017
Metroland Media
1-888-263-3849 1-800-465-0411
Rob Beintema
Metroland Media
Little Buick, big bang for the buck
The Nissan Pathfinder (Platinum model shown) gets major upgrades for 2017, including new front and rear styling and a more powerful V6 engine.
the Cd to 0.326 from 0.34 on the outgoing model. The 3.5-litre DOHC V6 now has direct injection, raising the power to 284 hp and 259 lb/ft of torque up from 260 hp and 240 ft/lb on the 2016 version.
Fuel economy is also improved at 11.6/8.5/10.2L/100 km city/highway/combined for the front-wheeldrive version and 12.1/8.9/10.7L/100 km for the all-wheel-drive model. The new engine with its CVT transmission results in a claimed
LEFT: The 3.5-litre DOHC V6 engine now has direct fuel injection for 284 hp and 259 lb/ft of torque. RIGHT: The second-row 60/40 bench seat EX Flex System lets the seatback tilt forward and the cushion tilt up and then slides forward for easier access to third row seats.
best-in-class towing capability of up to 6,000 lb. Suspension remains the same with McPherson struts with 26 mm solid stabilizer bar at front and a multi-link system at the rear with 26.5 mm hollow tube stabilizer bar. What is changed is the springs being 11 per cent stiffer at the front and seven per cent stiffer at the rear, which results in reduced body pitch over rough roads or potholes or when entering corners. Steering response was improved with a quicker ratio, which helps during turn-in and changing lanes. The three-mode AWD offers 2WD for best fuel economy; Auto which is on-demand 4WD that sends torque to wheels as needed and Lock for situations such as snow, boat launching or on a slippery surface. The interior is basically unchanged, but there have been some enhancements with a rearview camera with eight-inch colour touchscreen now standard on the base S model and it includes voice recognition. Turn to page W2
This is not your grandad’s Buick. This is the 2016 Buick Encore and, when it debuted almost five years ago, it was cited as the first luxury crossover of its kind. The Encore filled a new slot in the Buick lineup with its versatile and very compact design. It was outfitted as sort of a little luxury runabout, blending the relative roominess of a small but tall fivepassenger cabin with a tight turning circle and nimble, easy-to-park maneuverability. “But it’s a Buick through and through,” Ed Welburn, GM’s Vice President of Design, said at the 2012 Detroit Auto Show reveal, pointing out the emphasis on quiet luxury, upgraded interior features, and even a few traditional Buick styling cues - the waterfall grille and, yes, portholes. The Buick Encore has done well since that introduction and when you combine the sale’s numbers of the Encore with those of its more econo-oriented Chevy Trax sibling, GM seems to have a solid hold on the number one sales position in the subcompact CUV category. For 2016, the Encore’s encore (sorry, I couldn’t resist) carries on relatively unchanged with just the usual annual adjustment of new colours and revised wheels. The Encore comes in base ($28,505), Convenience ($30,120), Sport Touring ($31,415), Leather ($32,150) and Premium ($33,575) trim levels. Under the hood, an Ecotec 1.4litre turbo four-cylinder engine makes 138 hp and 148 lb/ft of torque Turn to page W4
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FINANCING
FOR UP TO 84 MONTHS PLUS UP TO
$10,350 IN TOTAL DISCOUNTS ON SELECT MODELS
17615 Yonge Street (Formerly MacIver Dodge)
905.898.1900 newroadschrysler.com
D O D G E G R A N D C A R AVA N / / 2 0 1 6
Hurry in, offers end September 30, 2016 The Zero Percent Today Gone Tomorrow Sales Event offer applies to retail deliveries of selected new and unused models purchased from September 1, 2016 to September 30, 2016 from participating retailers. Retailer order/trade may be necessary. Offers subject to change and may be extended without notice. Consumer Cash Discounts and lease delivery credits are offered on select new 2016 & 2017 vehicles and are deducted from the negotiated price before taxes. Amounts vary by vehicle. 0.0% purchase financing for up to 84 months available to qualified customers on approved credit through Royal Bank of Canada, Scotiabank and TD Auto Finance on 2016 Chrysler 200 (excludes LX), Town & Country, Grand Caravan (excludes CVP) and Jeep Cherokee (excludes Sport). Example: $20,000, with a $0 down payment, financed at 0.0% for 48 months equals monthly payments of $417; cost of borrowing of $0 and a total obligation of $20,000. . Ultimate Family Van / Ultimate Journey Package discounts are available to retail customers on purchase/lease at participating dealers of a new 2015/2016 Dodge Grand Caravan model (excluding Canada Value Package models), 2016 Chrysler Town & Country model or a 2015/2016 Dodge Journey model (excluding Canada Value Package / SE Plus models) and consist of: (i)Bonus Cash ($2,500 for models equipped with a DVD player; $1,500 for all other models) that will be deducted from the negotiated price after taxes; and (ii) No-Cost Options (ranging from $850 to $1,200 depending on model) that will be deducted from the negotiated price before taxes. Some conditions apply. See your retailer for complete details. Visit NewRoads Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram for full details.